Missouri road trip: Kirkwood to Saint Louis and Kansas City

Explore Missouri's diverse attractions across a 5,146 km route connecting historic sites and natural wonders. Visit Kirkwood's 1893 train station, Ha Ha Tonka State Park's castle ruins, Table Rock Lake's 800 miles of shoreline, Columbia's vibrant downtown, Lake of the Ozarks, Saint Louis landmarks including the Old Courthouse and Cathedral Basilica, and Kansas City's Union Station and Liberty Memorial Tower.

Distance
5146.7 km
Mode
route
Start
Welcome to Missouri
End
Busch Stadium
Stops
29
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to Missouri
  2. Kirkwood Historic Suburb
  3. Ha Ha Tonka State Park — Dramatic hilltop castle ruins overlooking the Niangua River valley, surrounded by scenic bluffs and hiking trails through pristine woodland.
  4. Table Rock Lake — One of Missouri's two largest lakes featuring world-class golf courses and resort amenities.
  5. Columbia Historic Downtown — Home to University of Missouri; blends education, culture, and community spirit with all-night diners and quirky local traditions.
  6. Lake of the Ozarks — Massive reservoir created by damming the Osage River in central Missouri's northern Ozarks; features world-class golf courses and resort facilities.
  7. Saint Louis — Founded 1764 by French fur traders as a major trading hub; brought under US control via Louisiana Purchase in 1804.
  8. Saint Louis Old Courthouse — American historic landmark tied to pivotal trials including Dred Scott case and Virginia miners' rights disputes.
  9. Clayton Metropolitan District — Exceptional suburban municipality blending urban convenience with suburban comfort and elegance in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
  10. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts — Major cultural venue in Kansas City.
  11. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis — Historic religious landmark in Saint Louis.
  12. Kansas City — Situated at the confluence of Missouri and Kansas rivers; incorporated 1850 as town of Kansas, later renamed to avoid confusion with Kansas territory; encompasses 319+ square…
  13. Liberty Memorial Tower — Completed 1925; honors 400,000 US World War I casualties including 441 local soldiers.
  14. University of Missouri​
  15. Kansas City Union Station — Beaux-Arts masterpiece completed in 1914, showcasing grand architecture and serving as a restored landmark symbolizing the city's golden age of rail travel.
  16. The Independence Temple — Distinctive religious structure serving the local faith community with modern architectural design reflecting spiritual significance in Missouri's historic independence region.
  17. Chain of Rocks bridge — Former automobile crossing spanning the Mississippi River, now a pedestrian and cycling bridge offering unique views of the historic river landscape.
  18. Amelia Earhart bridge​ — Bridge named after the legendary aviator, connecting communities and symbolizing Missouri's connection to aviation history and pioneering spirit.
  19. Spile Lake — Serene water body offering recreational opportunities including fishing and nature observation in a tranquil Missouri setting.
  20. The Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge — Modern structural landmark spanning a scenic Ozark lake region, facilitating regional connectivity while framing stunning water and shoreline vistas.
  21. Hubler Lake — Peaceful freshwater lake ideal for fishing, boating, and waterside relaxation amid Missouri's rolling terrain and natural woodland surroundings.
  22. Lamar forest — Expansive woodland area providing hiking trails, nature walks, and opportunities to experience native Missouri flora and wildlife ecosystems.
  23. Elephant Rocks — Natural granite boulder formation and scenic park.
  24. Webster Groves — Historic residential suburb featuring tree-lined streets, distinctive Victorian and early-twentieth-century architecture, and strong community character near Springfield.
  25. Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery — Historic military burial ground honoring American service members, featuring dignified grounds and commemorating Missouri's military heritage since the nineteenth century.
  26. Southern Missouri
  27. Forest Park — Major urban park in Saint Louis featuring museums and cultural attractions.
  28. Gateway Arch National Monument — Iconic 630-foot arch designed by Eero Saarinen; commemorates Thomas Jefferson's vision and St. Louis's role in westward expansion; located along Mississippi River west bank.
  29. Busch Stadium — Home of the Saint Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park on weekdays; weekends have heavier traffic and the road lacks sidewalks.
Tip
Ha Ha Tonka State Park has several parking areas near the natural bridge, castle ruins, and lower park section.
Tip
The natural bridge at Ha Ha Tonka is a short rewarding hike with striking geological formations in wooded setting.
Where to stay
Table Rock Lake offers varied lodging from cozy cabins and lakeside resorts to luxury rentals, condos, motels, and houseboats.
Tip
Table Rock Lake is divided into four areas (central, east, west, Indian point), each with unique atmosphere and activities.
Tip
Rent boats from marinas and resorts at Table Rock Lake rather than bringing your own for simple convenient lake access.
Tip
Lake of the Ozarks spans 55,000 acres with 1,150 miles of shoreline and offers recreation including golf, boating, wineries, and zip lines.
Tip
Kirkwood train station, built in 1893, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is staffed by local volunteer residents.
Tip
Columbia ranks in top 10 college towns nationally and features coffee houses, record shops, poetry readings, and diverse cultural venues.
Timing
Missouri has humid continental climate with sharp seasonal contrasts, frequent spring storms, and snowy winters averaging 16.5 inches.
Tip
Missouri has more than 80,000 hectares of public green space with over 50 state parks offering hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
Tip
Table Rock and Lake of the Ozarks resorts feature world-class golf courses designed by top golf professionals.

Video on this route

Wonders of Missouri | The Hidden Places No One Talks About! | Travel Video 4K

More routes nearby

Map